Mets shell out $25 annually for routine firework displays; Syracuse fire chief advocates for substantial increase
The Syracuse Mets, known for their impressive fireworks displays, are at the heart of a discussion surrounding a new fee structure for pyrotechnic events in the city. The proposed structure, which would apply to events throughout Syracuse, not just Minor League Baseball games, aims to recover personnel costs associated with fireworks displays.
City Auditor Alexander Marion discovered that the Mets had been paying just $25 for a whole season of fireworks shows instead of the per-event fee, a practice that may have been happening for decades. This revelation, combined with cuts to the fire department's overtime budget, prompted the proposal.
Under the new fee structure, the Mets' annual permit cost could jump from $25 to $7,500 based on 25 shows in a season. The proposed structure includes a tiered system, with higher fees for larger shows like those at NBT Bank Stadium.
The cost to city taxpayers for providing standby coverage for stadium fireworks shows is estimated to be $2,000 per event. In 2023 and 2024, the city spent $33,700 on personnel costs for 110 pyrotechnic events, while collecting only about 8% of those costs through the $25 permit fees.
Syracuse Fire Department Chief Michael Monds, who has discussed the matter with the Mets' management, is pushing for the new fee structure to recover these costs. The city's current pyrotechnics permit fee of $25-per-event is significantly lower than what other upstate New York cities charge. For instance, Rochester charges $294 for pyrotechnic permits, while Binghamton charges $286.
If approved by council, the new fee structure would go into effect next year. Mets General Manager Jason Smorol understands the fire chief's position and is not planning to advocate against the change. However, it's too early to know if the team will cut back on the number of shows it holds in future seasons.
The proposal for the new fee structure is likely to be pushed to the first meeting in September due to additional legal research. The Mets, as the franchise holding the most fireworks shows in the city, are a significant part of these discussions, shaping the future of pyrotechnic events in Syracuse.
The audit conducted by City Auditor Alexander Marion revealed that the financial aspect of the city's pyrotechnic events, such as those at NBT Bank Stadium, has been underestimated, as the Syracuse Mets were paying just $25 for a whole season of fireworks shows instead of a per-event fee. In light of this revelation and the cuts to the fire department's overtime budget, there is a proposal for a new fee structure that includes a tiered system, with higher fees for larger shows like those at the Mets' stadium, aiming to recover the substantial costs associated with these events and prevent a strain on city finances.
